Social Integration and Breast Cancer Control in African-American Women
Author Information
Author(s): Ann Carroll Klassen, Carmen Washington
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
How does social integration influence breast cancer control among urban African-American women?
Conclusion
Social integration positively influences breast cancer control and should be utilized in interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Social roles and networks were positively associated with screening knowledge.
- Emotional support and church networks were positively associated with attitudes conducive to early detection.
- Family networks were associated with both screening recency and intention.
Takeaway
Having friends and family who support you can help you take better care of your health, like getting checked for breast cancer.
Methodology
Data from in-home interviews were used to develop indices of social roles, networks, and support, and multivariate models were applied to examine associations with breast cancer knowledge and practices.
Limitations
The study reflects a single geographic area and timepoint, and the data are cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Urban African-American women aged 45–93 in East Baltimore, Maryland.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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